Infection is transmitted by snails living in fresh water such as lakes, rivers, streams and ponds in Africa, and some countries in Southeast Asia, South America, and the Caribbean.

Schistosomiasis risk is present in Chad. The full extent of Schistosomiasis risk is unknown due to fragmentary research:

S. haematobium is endemic in the southern departments, including Moyen-Chari, Logone Occidental, Tandjile, Mayo-Kebbi Est, Hadjer-Lamis, N’Djamena, and Chari-Baguimi (western border with Cameroon) as well as the northwestern region of Tibesti and eastern region of Wadi Fira.

The full extent of Schistosomiasis risk in Chad is unknown. Travellers should consider all oases as well as temporary and permanent bodies of water at risk.